The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
If you're planning a trip to B.C., then you'll be happy to know the province is full of stunning vacation spots. Some would argue that any spot in this province is worth a visit (it's called beautiful British Columbia for a reason) — but there are some unique spots that stand out.
I moved from Ontario to B.C. nearly eight years ago and while there are many places I have yet to explore, there are a select few that I would highly recommend to visitors.
Whether you're looking to see historical buildings, visit wineries, go hiking, or take a BC Ferries route to the Gulf Islands, you can do all of that in British Columbia and more.
Here are some of my favourite spots I've been to in B.C. so far that I would recommend to someone visiting Canada's West Coast.
Victoria
If you're travelling to Vancouver Island then Victoria should be on your itinerary of places to visit. B.C.'s capital city is not only beautiful but is filled with plenty of activities.
You can take a walk along the inner harbour where you'll get picturesque views of the ocean, the parliament buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
You'll also see horses trotting by and on a rare occasion, you may even spot an orca swimming by (I have yet to see one, but it does happen).
Make sure you take a walk along Government St. where you'll find a lot of cute shops and incredible cafes and restaurants where you can grab lunch or dinner.
You can also head to Victoria's Chinatown where you'll find Fan Tan Alley, which is the narrowest street in North America.
It doesn't matter if you visit in the summer or winter, because the city is equally as beautiful all year round.
Tofino
You can't mention Vancouver Island without bringing up the town of Tofino.
I'll admit I haven't spent a lot of time in Tofino, but I would still recommend spending a day or two in this surfing town if you have the chance.
There are so many beautiful beaches in Tofino, including popular ones like Long Beach and Chesterman Beach. There are also hikes and walks you can do while you're there, like in Pacific Rim National Park.
If you have the time, you can even rent a surfboard and test out the waves for yourself!
While you're in the area, don't forget to stop by the original Tacofino truck for some tacos or a burrito.
If you're driving from Victoria to Tofino, then there are some restaurants I highly recommend stopping at along the way.
Osoyoos
If sipping on wine while being surrounded by desert and mountains sounds like the ideal vacation for you, then Osoyoos in the Okanagan Valley will give you all three.
I've vacationed in Osoyoos twice now and I can't recommend it enough.
Aside from a variety of wineries, you can go to and enjoy delicious vino, you can also spend the day on Osoyoos Lake.
Whether you go swimming or rent a kayak or seadoo, you're bound to have a blast!
I stayed at the Spirit Ridge Resort while I was there, which has the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America.
Just a warning, the summer months can get quite toasty in Osoyoos since it is a desert and it's a busy time of year so make sure you plan ahead when booking your visit!
Pender Island
Pender Island is a Southern Gulf Island that is only a 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver Island and is perfect for a day trip or a full weekend if you have the time.
Pender Island consists of two islands, North Pender and South Pender, which are connected by a bridge.
It's a great destination for someone who likes hiking, fishing, or cycling. It also has several cute galleries, shops, a winery and restaurants to check out while you're there.
I've stayed at Poets Cove Resort and Marina a couple of times, which has great amenities like a hot tub and spa if you want to relax during your trip.
The best part is you can drive around the entire island in one day and see all that it has to offer!
Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is another Gulf Island and this one has a bit more going on than Pender Island.
If you go on a Saturday then you can check out the Salt Spring Market where vendors sell their handmade goods. You'll find everything from freshly baked bread to produce and jewelry.
There are some cute boutiques by the water and restaurants as well.
You can also go for a hike and then wind down at a winery or two, or grab a flight of cider at Salt Spring Wild Cider House.
There is also an artisan goat cheese shop on the island, which is a must-visit for any cheese lovers. They offer samples so you can taste a few different cheeses and then stock up for later.
It's a beautiful island so even just driving around is a treat!
Vancouver
If you're in B.C. and want to check out a big city then Vancouver is where you'll find loads of activities to enjoy.
From shopping to restaurants and ocean views, you can pack a lot in a single day or weekend.
Renting a bike to ride around Stanley Park or going to the Capilano Suspension Bridge are also great things to do while you're there.
There are countless restaurants to try out as well depending on what you're in the mood for or you can keep things simple and head to Fisherman's Wharf for some fish and chips.
Narcity's Morgan Leet lived in Vancouver for a year and has put together a list of tips and tourist traps to watch out for to make the best of the time you're there.
Whistler
Whistler is another fantastic destination option for any avid skiers or snowboarders during the winter.
However, you can enjoy a lot more than just those activities, and visiting in the summer is still an option.
The small community has plenty of hikes you can do and the small village will transport you to Europe with its beautiful shops and cafes.
I Moved From Ontario To BC 8 Years Ago & These 7 Places Wowed Me The Most (PHOTOS)
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